- 1). Visit your local animal control agency and ask if they have accommodations for lost or confiscated birds. Some agencies keep birds in dog crates or animal traps because they have no other cages. Let them know you're a bird lover and are willing to help them with your time, expertise and supplies.
- 2). Bring in a bird emergency kit consisting of a sturdy cage with close-spaced bars containing at least one large (1-1/2 inch diameter) and one small (1/2 inch diameter) perch; stainless steel feeding dishes; a flat bed sheet to cover the bird cage at night; and bird food in an air-tight, resealable container. A cockatiel seed mix is adequate emergency food for nearly all sizes of birds. If you choose pelleted food, use the smallest size pellets, which can be eaten by all birds. If possible, bring more than one cage; stacking cages are especially useful.
- 3). Ask where birds are kept and suggest a quiet area that is away from drafts or air conditioning vents. Some animal control agencies keep birds in the same room as barking dogs and meowing cats, or in an area with pet snakes and ferrets. Birds are always more comfortable out of the direct view of predators; if space is limited, show them how to cover three sides of the cage to provide birds with a safe corner. Suggest that birds, especially intelligent parrots, be housed in one of the office areas, behind the front counter, or in an area with rabbits and other non-predatory pets.
- 4). Leave cards with your name and phone number, offering to assist with pet birds brought in to animal control. Some smaller agencies might be willing to let you provide home foster care for birds until they are reclaimed by owners or put up for adoption. Other agencies might need advice on caring for or handling the larger breeds. Ask the director to post your card near the phones and let him or her know you're available to help.
- 5). Check in periodically to see if the agency workers have questions about birds or need refills on any of the bird supplies. Use your contacts with bird clubs and other bird-lovers to collect used cages and to help find adoptive homes for unclaimed birds.
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